Nov. 25, 2003

Four University of Illinois football players were named to the All-Big Ten Honorable Mention Team, as announced today by the Conference Office. Seniors Sean Bubin and Derrick Strong as well junior Matt Sinclair and sophomore Steve Weatherford all garnered honors.

The Big Ten media named all four to the postseason team, while the coaches selected Sinclair and Weatherford. Bubin (Rantoul, Ill.) started three seasons for the Illini at left tackle, not allowing a sack in two of those years. He was a part of two of the most productive offenses in school history as the 2001 and 2002 teams set the single season records for total offense. Strong (Chicago, Ill.) was a two-year starter for the Illini at defensive end and is making his second appearance on the All-Big Ten team after earning second-team honors in 2002.

Sophomore punter Steve Weatherford (Terre Haute, Ind.) became the school's leader in single season punting average after posting 44.5 yards per kick in 2003. He broke Dike Eddleman's 43.0 yard per punt mark from the 1948 season. Weatherford was second in the Big Ten in punting average and 12th in the nation. Linebacker Matt Sinclair (St. Louis, Mo.) led the team in tackles all season with 129, 10.8 per contest. He ranked third in the conference in total tackles and his four sacks tied for the team lead.